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By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The first phase of the Prescott Waterfront Pathway project is expected to begin this fall, according to the chair of the Prescott Millennium Committee.
Jo-Anne Beckstead said construction of a pathway extending from the marina to the eastern edge of town at New Wexford will soon go to tender. The groundwork should be completed before the snow flies, she added.
Beckstead said the committee has an agreement in principle with Parks Canada, the owner of the land on which the pathway will be located.
Phase One of the $92,000 project includes the creation of the pathway as well as landscaping and sitting areas. The committee has raised just over $25,000 from donations, print sales, bingo and other fundraising ventures. Just under $20,000 has been received for the pathway, with an additional $5,500 allocated for signage.
Beckstead indicated there has been a good response to the program that enables donors to dedicate benches in memory of loved ones.
Beckstead expects the fundraising total will be much higher by the end of the year as bingo proceeds and other revenues are added to the total.
The estimated cost of the first phase of the project is $42,000. The second phase of the pathway project will cost an estimated $45,000, two-thirds of which has been budgeted for lighting. The committee will have to assess what can and should be done after the pathway has been established, according to Beckstead.
"It is a small community. Everybody's looking for money, and there isn't much to go around," she said.
Members of the local horticultural society will help with the gardens to be created as part of the pathway project, said Beckstead. She is also hopeful that schools and other groups in the community will get involved.
Beckstead said the committee would still welcome volunteers to help with bingos and other aspects of the millennium project. The committee's next meeting is expected to take place during the next few weeks.
The original proposal by the millennium committee included improvements to Centennial Park and had a total of price tag of $225,000. The federal government's millennium department turned down the committee's request for funding which would have covered about one-third of project costs.
By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The advantages and disadvantages of building a new town hall or renovating the existing one are being reviewed by Prescott council.
But Mayor Doug Hayes maintains that council will make a final decision before the municipal election in November if council members feel they have enough information on which to base a decision.
A comparison of the two options was discussed Monday at a committee-of-the-whole meeting. The cost of constructing a 12,000-square-foot building on the site of the parking lot at the corner of King Street West and Centre Street is estimated at $1.5 million (based on $125 per square foot). A feasibility study commissioned by town council listed the cost of renovating the three-storey building on Dibble Street West at more than $1.1 million.
A report prepared for council compares the two options in more than 30 ways. For example, it is noted that the new building would become a "focal point" and would be easy to locate; the existing building is "more difficult to find for people coming from out-of-town."
The possible sale of residential lots following the demolition of the existing building is also noted in the comparison. The loss of downtown parking spaces resulting from the construction of a new town hall is also listed, although town officials said Monday they do not believe that parking will be a major issue.
Some members of council indicated at the meeting they believe the town could go ahead with building a new town hall. The question that needs to be answered is: What is the best way to finance the project?
Options being considered include a 15- or 20-year amortization, as well as the possibility of lumping town hall financing in with the sewer rehabilitation project. Although it was noted that the interest on the annual payments will add up, it was also noted that is the cost of doing business.
Town officials will prepare a capital plan which will identify special projects on which the municipality will need to spend money during the next several years. A report may be available when council meets Monday.
Mayor Hayes said he does not expect that council will decide next week whether it will proceed with plans to build a new town hall or renovate the old one. The mayor also remarked that until council becomes a so-called "lame duck" council at municipal election time, it will continue to make decisions and act conscientiously.
"If all the information is there, council will make a decision" on what to do about town hall, the mayor said.
The mayor reiterated Monday that several months ago council had made a decision to build a new facility but opted to look into renovations more closely at the insistence of some members of the chamber.
The directors of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce approved a motion last week calling on town council to not make a decision about town hall during the current term. Ken Durand, chairman of the chamber's town hall project committee, said the cost of building a new town hall would likely be in the range of $1.7 million to $1.8 million. Garry Dewar also noted the architect has been vague on costs, and the final price tag may end up being as much as 40 per cent higher than current estimates.
Dewar believes the town would "sadly miss" the parking lot.
Other chamber directors suggested other options such as renovating the building over a number of years and erecting a new building behind the existing one.
The directors of the chamber approved a second motion requesting that the town and the chamber co-sponsor a public meeting to discuss town hall options. The chamber is prepared to conduct a public meeting on its own if council were to decline the request.
The mayor said that council may conduct a public meeting to explain the rationale behind a decision. However, he did not agree that there is a need to have another public meeting before the decision is made.
"The chamber isn't the only organization we represent in this community," Hayes said.
When asked if he would participate in a "town hall" public meeting hosted by the chamber to which he had been invited to speak, Hayes said he would not. The mayor added he has already taken part in such a meeting.
PRESCOTT The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce has reversed an earlier decision to field a slate of candidates in the upcoming municipal election.
Directors of the chamber last Thursday voted 112 to reconsider the decision made last month to recruit, select and support candidates for Prescott council. The chamber then put the original motion to a vote; no one supported the slate option.
Garry Dewar, the person who put forward the original motion, told the meeting last week that he was more interested in trying to get suitable people to run for council. Fielding a slate of candidates is something the chamber probably should not be doing, he added.
"Perhaps we were a bit hasty," Dewar said of the chamber's decision last month.
Ken Durand pointed out that the motion to put together a slate was approved at the end of last month's meeting when several directors had already left or were in the process of leaving. He said directors did not have enough time to consider the ramifications of their decision.
Durand added that backing a list of candidates could cause a split in the chamber; some members may choose to leave the group if they do not agree with the choice of candidates, Durand said.
It would be acceptable for individuals or groups of businesses to support a candidate or candidates if they so choose, he added.
Bill Pakeman was one of two chamber directors who voted against reconsidering the earlier decision. He said it is a good idea to have some type of process "that identifies and attracts quality men and women" who could serve on council.
"I don't really see that endorsing a candidate is a bad thing for the chamber," Pakeman added.
Dewar noted that he had received "an awful lot of support on the street" from people who want to see change at town hall. However, he and other speakers at the meeting indicated that raising issues and questioning candidates is a more appropriate role for the chamber.
Candidate meetings are to be organized by the chamber of commerce as has been the case in previous elections.
The deadline to submit nominations for the Nov. 13 municipal election is Oct. 13.
PRESCOTT The Grenville County Historical Society's fourth annual house tour will be held this Saturday, Sept. 30.
Visitors will have a chance to see a 140-year-old stone church, two country stone homesteads and a residence that was once home to Prescott's most beloved doctor. This tour also includes a new twist the featuring of a new home.
This is the historical society's major fundraising event of the year. Proceeds help support the volunteer group's activities of preserving and researching this history of Grenville County.
Tickets for the house tour are available at Young's of Prescott, Flower World, Slater's House of Flowers, in Brockville at Home Again Antiques, or by calling the historical society at 925-0489.
The admission price includes a tea at Walker House in Prescott. Hosts will be available at each location to answer questions for the tours from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Farmers' Market is holding its annual customer appreciation day this Saturday morning with music and fun. Fall produce is in plentiful supply, including beets, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, onions, apples, peppers and celery. There is also a selection of herbs, crafts, baked goods, preserves and flowers. The King Street market will continue to be open each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PRESCOTT A full, hot breakfast will be served up in style at the Colonel's Inn Wednesday, Oct. 4 in support of the Forwarders' Museum.
Jodie Cromb, chairman of the Forwarders' Board and owner of the inn, is encouraging local business owners to buy breakfast for their employees, although everyone can enjoy the feast for the price of a ticket.
There will be three sittings, at 7, 8 and 9 a.m. The menu is eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, muffins, scones, coffee, tea and juice. For reservations, call the Colonel's Inn on East Street at 925-1288.
EDWARDSBURGH The Lions' Annual Walk for Dog Guides will take place this Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Lions Den on County Road 44 in Edwardsburgh. The five-kilometre walk will begin at 1 p.m. People and pooches of all ages are welcome. The event is a fundraiser to help pay to train dogs to serve blind, deaf or physically disabled people. Each guide dog requires six months of intense training, which costs thousands of dollars, as well as veterinary care and harnesses. Walkers are asked to collect pledges. For more information, please call 657-1110.
By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The federal government will pump $300,000 into the running of the Community Ventures Capital Fund Inc., it was announced Monday.
Andy Mitchell, secretary of state for rural development, was in Prescott to announce the three-year contribution from Industry Canada.
CVCF was initiated in 1998 by the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Community Development Corporation. The fund provides small- and medium-size businesses with equity financing, business planning and business resources services. Non-profit community development corporations based in Prescott (Grenville Community Development Centre), Brockville, Cornwall, Smiths Falls and Hawkesbury operate the fund and pool their resources to provide economic development and venture capital on a regional basis.
The $300,000 from Industry Canada will assist with start-up operational costs of the expanded fund. Each of the five community development corporations will contribute a minimum of $250,000 to the venture capital fund. Individuals, financial institutions and other organizations may also invest money into the fund; parties that have invested a minimum of $100,000 are also considered invested members.
"It is this kind of shared vision, teamwork and drive which translates into success and long-term economic vitality for the region," Mitchell stated.
The minister noted at the news conference that the Industry Canada contribution of $300,000 will give the venture fund time to develop its portfolio and business stream.
Based on a projected $5 million capital fund, CVCF is expected to facilitate the creation and expansion of 20 to 25 companies within the next eight years. The fund will also leverage investment for clients from a number of private and public sources.
"The CVCF will support business growth and development in rural or remote communities by providing an investment mechanism capable of providing equity for the establishment, restructuring, reorganization, expansion or retention of businesses," according to an Industry Canada information sheet.
Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan said that providing equity capital and creative financing options is important when it comes to economic development in rural areas. Creating the fund is an important first step which will enable Eastern Ontario to pursue opportunities on a regional basis, according to the Liberal MP.
Vic Allen, chairman of the Grenville CDC, said Monday was "a red-letter day for Eastern Ontario." Allen said it is difficult to attract businesses to an area unless equity capital can be provided.
One of the advantages of the expanded capital fund is that it will be able to provide financing of up to $500,000 per project. The community development corporations usually limit their investments to $125,000; those corporations will continue to provide smaller capital investments of up to $125,000 depending on the needs of the client.
A 10-member board of directors will govern the CVCF; however, the founding Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry corporation will manage the fund on an interim basis. The participating community development corporations will hold or appoint directors to seven of the 10 board seats.
Mitchell said one of the strengths of CVCF and local community development groups is that investment decisions are made at the local level.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Police Service investigated 58 general incidents between Sept. 1824.
On Sept. 19, Prescott police arrested a man believed responsible for a break and enter committed Aug. 5 at a King Street West residence. The man is in custody for similar offences committed outside of Prescott; he is to appear in Brockville court.
Police also investigated the theft that day of product identification numbers from a backhoe parked on Railway Avenue. There was no damage to the backhoe.
The Prescott Police Service investigated a hit-and-run accident that occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the intersection of King and Edward streets. A female pedestrian was crossing Edward on the north side of King when she was struck by a southbound vehicle which turned right at King and did not stop. The pedestrian sustained minor injuries. Police are looking for an olive green vehicle believed to be an older model. The car was being driven by a male described as having long dark hair and wearing a baseball cap. There was also a male passenger in the vehicle. A possible partial licence plate number is XHD-8 or XHP 8. The investigation is continuing.
On Sept. 22, police investigated a theft from a pop machine on Churchill Road. Money was taken and the machine was damaged. This may be related to a similar theft from a pop machine reported Sept. 7. Cash boxes for two pop machines were found in the yard of a Claxton Terrace residence.
A case of wilful damage to a Walker Street residence was investigated by Prescott police on Sept. 22. A rock was thrown through a screen door by a youth who was seen leaving the scene. A second case of wilful damage at a Douglas Drive residence was investigated that day. A cable television splitter box was destroyed; this affected a number of residences on the street.
On Sept. 23, police investigated another case of wilful damage. A garden and flower pots at a Hyde Street residence were completely destroyed. Several footprints were found at the scene.
Anyone who has information about these or other offences is asked to call the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Town council has given its support in principle to a plan to move the cenotaph to a site near Fort Wellington.
Representatives of Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion attended a committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday to discuss a proposal to relocate the cenotaph. The Legion would like to see the monument placed in a location where it has some prominence and would not have to moved again, according to Norma Sayeau.
The cenotaph is now located on the grounds of the municipal building on Dibble Street West. Its former location was beside the town hall building on King Street West; the building was torn down in the early 1960s.
The representatives explained that the preference would be to locate the cenotaph on Crown land. The cenotaph committee has received a positive response from Parks Canada, Legion representative Ed Greene said.
The proposed site is at the top of a hill between King Street East and the waterfront. It was mentioned at the meeting that stairs could be built to connect the cenotaph and the proposed millennium pathway, which would be located a short distance away.
Legion representatives also noted they would prefer a new cenotaph location which would not be as accessible to skateboarders.
None of the council members present objected to the relocation proposal. Mayor Doug Hayes told the delegation he does not believe this council or the next council would stop the committee from finding a suitable site for the cenotaph.
"That's good enough for us," Greene said.
Sayeau told council the Legion would like to hold its Remembrance Day ceremony at the new site next year. Fundraising for the project is in the works; the possibility of obtaining federal funding to offset the cost of relocating the cenotaph is being pursued.
There is a crack in the monument that will have to be fixed, according to Sayeau.
SPENCERVILLE - The new principal at Centennial '67-North Edwardsburgh Public School has come home.
Sheila Fawcett has been a resident of the Spencerville area for 28 years and was the music teacher at North Edwardsburgh in Shanly in 1982.
She has been in the teaching profession for 24 years, the last five as a principal at Wolford and Frankville public schools.
Fawcett has also been a vice-principal at Kemptville Public School.
Coming back to her home school "makes it really interesting," she said, because her own children attended Centennial. "I've had the pleasure of working with some of the staff, and some have taught my own children," Fawcett said. "I feel like I'm coming home."
Fawcett and vice-principal Susan Thain divide their time between the two schools, "working very hard to make sure we provide time in both schools every day."
Thain is also a resource teacher at Centennial '67.
The new principal finds the students both courteous and eager and the group of parents supportive.
Fawcett hopes to be able to draw more on community resources and expertise and involve "people with special interests and abilities willing to come in. They need to know they're really welcome. We hope to find the talent pool."
Centennial, which offers Grades 4 to 8, and North Edwardsburgh, with JK to Grade 3, have a combined student population of 318.
ALGONQUIN PUBIC SCHOOL: Thursday, Sept. 28 will be Meet the Teacher Night, from 7 to 8 p.m. A Scholastic book and clothing fair will also be held the same night in the gymnasium. On Oct. 4, students in Grades 3 to 5 will compete in the Grenville Christian College cross-country meet at GCC. School photographs will be taken on two days at the school: Thursday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6.
BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL: Thursday, Sept. 28 is picture day at the school for all grades except Kindergarten A, which will have pictures taken on Friday, Oct. 6.
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL: On Tuesday, Sept. 26, there was a parent council meeting for the election of officers. Boundary's cross-country team went to a meet at the Iroquois Locks. Also, students in Grades 4 to 8 went to see the arrival of the St. Roch II. We are very proud of one of our students, Cody Hache, who took top honours for his artwork in the junior division at the Spencerville Fair. On Friday, Sept. 29, our hot lunch will be pizza. There will also be a spirit assembly in the gym at 1 p.m. Also, there will be a dance on Friday, for students in Grades 4, 5 and 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
CENTENNIAL '67 NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS: On Tuesday, Sept. 26, a mini cross-country meet was held at North Edwardsburgh Public School (NEPS).
An open house for parents was held on Tuesday evening at NEPS.
On Thursday, the combined Centennial NEPS cross-country team travels to Kemptville to compete in the season's first meet.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL: Noon-hour soccer is under way for students in Grades 4 to 8. Our Fall Fun Fair was held Tuesday. Our cross-country team goes to its first meet in Kemptville on Thursday. Elections have been held for school student council. Jonathan Lane is president, Braden Miller is first vice-president, Heidi Reinstra is second vice-president, and Kaili Tennant is secretary.
MAITLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL: Our athletes from Grade 1 to Grade 5 continue to train for our first competition to be held in Kemptville this Thursday, Sept. 28. Good luck to all at the cross-country meet who are trying their best and working hard! Mrs. Bell's Grade 2 class is continuing to study butterflies and the students' patience is being rewarded! To date, two beautiful monarch butterflies have completed their metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. After visiting with each student, our butterflies were taken down the street to a field full of milkweed (the monarch's favourite plant) and released. We still have two more to observe and they should arrive before the end of this week! Students have learned, for example, that when the monarch butterfly creates the chrysalis, you can see a gold-coloured thread. The Friday hot lunch program will begin on a weekly basis starting this Friday! This Friday's hot lunch is pizza.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: The school has an extension to the building. Students who used to be housed in a separate portable are now able to feel a part of the school with ready and comfortable excess to all school facilities. Our new library is much larger and able to function as a proper resource centre complete with a computer lab. The removal of the free-standing portable from behind the school has enabled more students to play at the back where active game are more safely conducted and supervised. Combined with our greening project and the coming expansion to our back playground, we are very excited about our improved facility for children both inside and outside of St. Mark School.
PRESCOTT A blood donor clinic will be held Monday, Oct. 2 at South Grenville District High School. The clinic will be open to the public from 2 to 8 p.m. SGDHS students will have access to the clinic from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Appointments are recommended; however, walk-in donors will be accepted. Students can book appointment times at the school. For more information, call 1-800-264-0680.
1-800-222-8477
Crime Stoppers and the Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance in solving a break, enter and theft at a family's residence in Edwardsburgh Township.
In the early hours of a morning some time between Aug. 13 and 16 of this year, thieves broke into a residence on County Road 2 on the shore of the St. Lawrence.
Adding insult to injury, the family's car was loaded and stolen. The items taken which can be identified include: two Swavorski crystal candle holders, Sharp model IQ8200 desk organizer, Sony 27" TV serial #KV27FV15, Sony Trinitron TV serial # KV27TS27, Beame Mercier gold watch, Onkyo model A8170 amp/equalizer serial #2705000975, Onkyo model T4087 tuner serial #8604000630, Onkyo model DX320 CD player serial #9606001654, and Onkyo model TA2090 tape deck serial #44100353.
Electrical and fishing equipment and other sundry items with identifiable markings were also stolen.
Call Crime Stoppers if you have information about this break, enter and theft or any other crime: 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
CARDINAL A man remains in custody after he was arrested Friday in connection with the Sept. 11 robbery of TD Bank in Cardinal.
Gregory Jonathan Ingram, 24, of no fixed address, was arrested in Cornwall by city police and the Ontario Provincial Police's Leeds-Grenville Crime Unit.
Ingram was scheduled to appear at a bail hearing Monday in Brockville court, but the hearing was postponed until Friday. He has been charged with robbery and remains in custody.
An arrest warrant for Ingram had been issued Sept. 16, according to an OPP news release.
Just before 3 p.m. on Sept. 11, a man approached a teller in the bank, placed a plastic bag on the counter and demanded money, police reported. The man jumped the counter and took an undisclosed amount of money before exiting the bank and leaving the scene in a waiting vehicle.
OPP Detective Constable Isobel McVey said Monday that the investigation into whether another person or persons assisted with the robbery is continuing. The constable added that as of Monday, the stolen money had yet to be recovered. She could not say whether the vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery had been located.
Const. McVey said the vigilance of bank employees and members of the community gave police many pieces of information which helped lead to an arrest.
Anyone who has information relating to the bank robbery is asked to call Detective Const. McVey at the Grenville County OPP Detachment in Prescott (925-4221).
As former Prescott residents, we had a quick visit to the area at the end of August. We visited a number of friends and to the ones we missed, we wish you all the best.
We always exit Highway 401 at Brockville and de-stress as we do our nostalgic drive through Brockville and along Highway 2. We both agree that this particular stretch of road is one of the prettiest and is so well maintained by all the residents and companies.
Upon entering Prescott, a flood of memories come pouring back from our nine years there. Swimming lessons at the pool with the wind whistling off the St. Lawrence, Kinsmen activities, Beta Sigma Phi, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, snowmobiling, Royal Bank, Park Street neighbours, figure skating, etc.
Our first impression was that King Street looked OK, but then with a closer look it seemed a little tired. We hadn't been in the area for about five years and there was a definite difference. The downtown core needs a lift. The rumour was that a new town hall was in the works, but one would think that working with what you have would make sense, especially after a lot of industries have left. There must be some vacant space available somewhere.
All the best to Prescott and area, as we head back to life in the Dem. Rep. of Congo (ex-Zaire).
Lynda and Greg Moore
By Betty Warren
The Augusta Township Public Library now has four new computers thanks to The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Each computer has its own workstation and steno chair thanks to the auspices of The Friends of the Library. The computers are set up and running and we hope to have them linked to the Internet by Oct. 1. These computers are for patrons' use, free of charge. Call the library at 926-2449 to book time on them.
We have several software programs installed in the computers, and we have Barney and Arthur for our younger users, and for those students looking for information, we have the Electric Library, an Internet database with access to full-text articles from newspapers and magazines.
Our storytime for preschoolers is held every second Wednesday at 10 a.m. We can always use volunteers for this program, so if you enjoy reading to youngsters and doing a simple craft with them, call the library and let them know you are available.
The Old School House room at the library is available for meetings. For more information just call the library.
October 16-22 is Library Week, during which we recognize our many volunteers, and this year we will be remembering the Dreamers and Doers in our community in a special way.
New books
Some new books in our children section are The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Teasing by the Berenstains, Itchy, itchy Chicken Pox by Grace Maccarone, Tyrone, the Double Dirty Rotten Cheater and Tyrone, the Horrible both by Hans Wilhelm. In the non-fiction section there is The Anti-boredom Book: 133 Completely Unboring Things to Do.
In adult fiction, our new books are too many to list. We have many of the new bestsellers, and if we don't have the book you are seeking, we can likely get it for you on inter-library loan, just one of the many services provided by the library.
Have you read to a child lately? Try it and you'll find your life enriched.
A special thank you to the many volunteers who helped make our summer reading program a success, as well as TD Bank for providing excellent support material for the Summer Reading Club.
By Veronica King
For many, National Legion Week here in Prescott was a chance to become better acquainted with what the Royal Canadian Legion is all about. It was an opportunity to see and hear first-hand how the Legion interfaces with the Prescott community.
During the week of Sept. 17 to 22, all Legions across Canada opened their doors to the public. Veterans and other members were on hand to welcome new members and old friends in a celebration of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces men and women.
Locally, the start of Legion week coincided with a benefit breakfast and barbecue, the proceeds of which went to St. Vincent de Paul Hospital in Brockville. Convener Ray Martin was very pleased with the amount of support the Legion and community gave.
"Part of (being in) the Legion is service toward others and this was a great way to show that," he said after the event.
On Monday evening, Branch 97 hosted its annual Honours and Awards Evening, at which 10 new members were installed. Present and former members as well as local businesses were cited for their support of Legion projects.
Other events included a Wednesday bus trip to Legion branches in Napanee, Kingston, Westport, Perth and Merrickville. On Thursday, a talent show and karaoke night were held, and Friday offered the "old sweats" a chance to gather and reminisce over hot pizza and cold drinks.
More than 50 people dropped in Saturday morning to sample the family-style buffet breakfast. Many stayed into the afternoon to chat and enjoy the recent renovations to the lounge portion of the hall.
One of the more light-hearted parts of the celebration was on Thursday, when bartender Tom Wilson lost his locks to charity. Wilson, a well known figure at the Legion, offered chances to cut off his elegant, brunette "rat-tail" for a donation to the renovation fund. The lucky scissor artist turned out to be Pat LeMaire, who relished the chance to slash away the offending rat-tail. She then treated Wilson to a unique "bean shave" to even out his loss.
For many members, including president Ralph Martin, the highlight of the week occurred Friday night, when several members of the Kemptville Pipe Band entertained, at the invitation of drummer Stewart McVey.
"Many of our veterans marched into battle to the very tunes these young people were playing for us," said Martin. "The people here couldn't get enough of them they were a wonderful part of Legion week."
The next big event in the offing for Fort Wellington Branch 97 is the soon-to-be-held grand opening of the renovated lounge. A date for that has yet to be set, but Martin promises it will be a gala evening.
By Willy Sieling Heuvel
A tremendous thank you to the Royal Bank for its donation to Walker House. Believe me, it will be put to good use.
We had a great trip last week to Niagara Falls and to the Festival Theatre at Niagara-on-the-Lake to see The Matchmaker. Thank you to all the people who went, you really are a wonderful group. Thanks again! Charles Seeley, it was very nice to have you drive for us again. Thanks.
This Saturday, Sept. 30, we are serving the house-tour participants tea, squares and cookies at Walker House. Donated cookies or squares would be very much appreciated. Please give me a call if you can make some.
Here's a notice to put on your calendar: There will be a flu clinic at Walker House on Wednesday, Oct 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Winners at the card tables last week: Monday bridge, Audrey Kingston, first; Ted Crosbie, second. Findlay Hill won the door prize. Tuesday cribbage: high score Myrtle Shahan; second Eleanor Gilligan; third Bea Hemsley. Wednesday bridge: Jim Campbell first; Marjorie Kingston second. Ruth Britnell won the door prize. Thursday euchre: Claire Marchand first; Jeannine Marion second; Bea Hemsley third. Hilda Hutton won the door prize.
JOHNSTOWN The South Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Johnstown is sponsoring a turkey supper Thursday, Sept. 28 in honour of the 121st anniversary of Johnstown United Church.
The supper will begin at 5 p.m.
Church anniversary celebrations began Sept. 24 with a Christian development worker speaking at the 10:30 a.m. service, while a program of traditional and gospel Christian music was presented by the Spencerville-Roebuck United worship team at the 7 p.m. service.
PRESCOTT About 180 students walked out of South Grenville District High School Tuesday, Sept. 26, despite a student rally planned for Friday, Sept. 29.
Students lined Edward Street in front of the school with some holding signs with in slogans such as "Fight for Student Rights" and"Honk for Sports."
Students walked out of class at 8:45 a.m. in protest of the cancellation of extracurricular activities by teachers because of Bill 74, which has increased teachers' workload. Police were on hand but stayed across the street from the protesters.
Student Council President Emma Parrott, who was in attendance at Tuesday's walkout, disagreed with the students' walkout, saying that their energy would be better spent at the student council- planned rally slated to start early Friday afternoon.
"We will have people talking about how [the cancellation of activities] is affecting them," she said.
Parrott added that council wants to get all parties who are involved in the ongoing dispute represented at the rally so students can hear for themselves what is going on.
Principal Brenda Ramsay, who supervised but did not interfere with the students, said she understands why the students are feeling frustrated.
"They need a chance to air their concerns. I recognize their frustration. They feel caught in the middle," she added that she was there to monitor the safety of students.
Ramsay said that during the rally the students, who were being marked as absent, had an hour and a half to protest before their actions may result in some form of punishment. She said that she did not know what form, if any, the punishment would take.
Ramsay, who had today just found out about the rally planned for this Friday, said the school will supervise it to maintain safety. She said that there had been plans to hold a forum for students to voice their concerns on the cancelation of extracurricular activities but it had yet to be organized. Ramsay said the forum would have been scheduled during school hours and that Friday's rally could possibly take its place.
Jane Fullarton
The annual general meeting of the Maitland Education and Recreation Committee will be held on Monday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at the MERC Hall.
The main item on the agenda is the election of officers and board members. The positions include chairperson or co-chairperson, treasurer, secretary, bingo treasurer, and facilities manager as well as board members at large.
Wayne Brohman, the present chairperson of the committee, stressed that new volunteers are urgently needed to continue the level of programming.
MERC provides support for programs for community members of all ages, including playgroups, soccer, swimming lessons, fitness classes, a summer parks program, skating rinks and seniors luncheons. MERC, through its hall facility, also provides a local meeting place for many groups and a local venue for special events.
Moira Taylor, the MERC booking manager, says that the annual meeting is also an excellent opportunity for interested community members with concerns or new ideas for the committee to come and discuss them.
MERC is an organization that benefits everyone in the Maitland community. Please consider giving your time and talents to help keep it going strong.
The MERC Committee has decided to change its Thursday night format. Instead of euchre, Thursday night will be a pub night starting the first week in October. The doors will be open from 6 to 11 p.m., with the bar closing at 10:30 p.m. The evening will feature cards, darts and music. There will be free wings on opening night and fun for all.
Tae-box fitness classes start Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. at the MERC Hall. New members can try the first evening for free.
Arthur Frank Wright, 835 Boundary Street, Prescott, died Sept. 15, 2000 at Brockville General Hospital. He was 86.
Mr. Wright was born Jan. 22, 1914 in Kingston to Bertie and Lena Wright.
He is survived by his wife Anna Elizabeth Wright (nee Kroone); his stepson, Peter Kroone; his grandchildren, Peter Jr. and Patricia; and his sisters Nellie North and Grace Coulter.
He was predeceased by his brothers George, Robert, John and Nelson Wright.
Mr. Wright had been employed as a bricklayer.
Cremation took place at Glenhaven Memorial Gardens Sept. 18.
The funeral service was held in the chapel of the Chris Slater Funeral Home Sept. 20 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Ian MacLean officiating.
A committal service followed at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
BROCKVILLE A child-care survey is being conducted for all families in Leeds and Grenville.
The survey is sponsored by the United Counties social services department, the Southeastern Ontario District Health Council and the Community Action Coalition, and it is directed to expectant parents and parents of children under age six.
Information collected will help shape future programs for parents and young children, identify any gaps in services and the need for new or expanded services. A final report is expected in late fall.
The purpose of the survey is to collect information and be as inclusive as possible, reaching as many families as possible, in different communities throughout the area, according to Leeds and Grenville Child Care Resources. This survey is for all parents, not just for parents who work outside the home.
The results of the survey will help point the way to ensuring that all families have access to appropriate programs for themselves and their children.
The receive a survey, or to find out more information about the project, contact the social services child-care division at 345-4101, child-care resources at 345-0350, or the health council at 1-888-595-4532.
BROCKVILLE The federal Canadian Alliance party association in Leeds-Grenville has selected its candidate for the next election.
Gananoque businessman Gord Brown scored a first-ballot victory Saturday at the party's nomination meeting in Brockville. The other three who sought the nomination were Doug Aldridge, Ron Coleman and George Clarke. Approximately 800 members cast ballots.
"My campaign was about unity and the opportunity for change," Brown stated. "Alliance party members obviously agreed with that message."
There are just over 1,600 Alliance members in Leeds-Grenville, according to the party.
Aldridge received about 10,500 votes as the Alliance candidate in the 1997 election and finished third in Leeds-Grenville. Liberal Joe Jordan won the riding with a total of just over 19,000 votes.
Political observers have been suggesting in recent weeks that a federal election may take place this fall, but it will probably be called for next spring.
"We don't know when Prime Minister Jean Chrétien will call an election, but we must be prepared," Brown stated in a press release. "We are poised to make positive changes for the future of Canada, our children and grandchildren."
and the value of smoke detectors and fire escape plans.
Final decision is council's to make." There we have it in a nutshell, reduced to such a simple form that even a Prescott business person or a member of the town's chamber of commerce could understand it. Thanks to some brilliant deductions by the staff of the Brockville newspaper, the answer to the problem of whether to build a new town hall on the only downtown public parking lot or to renovate the old town hall, is Prescott council's decision to make and nobody else's. In no uncertain terms, the Rip 'n Tear is telling the Prescott business community to stay out of the controversy.
It seems like a cowardly stroke of the pen to us that the Brockville newspaper would take a stand against the chamber of commerce decision to seek out a slate of candidates, after the motion had been withdrawn by its sponsors. The motion was adopted by a majority at the August directors' meeting and stood for a month before being withdrawn at the September meeting. During this interval, these crusaders for a more democratic oligarchy in Prescott had almost a full month (and 29 editions of their own 'newspaper') to criticize the actions of our chamber. Instead, they hid in the shadows until the chamber had disarmed itself before they drew their swords.
The Prescott chamber's decision to seek out and encourage good candidates for office in the coming municipal election was not a one-issue decision. The mayor and a couple of councillors had announced they would not be seeking re-election, and all other councillors, except Craig Worden, were, and still are, noncommittal about their political futures.
The chamber directors who proposed his motion, and those who supported it, were looking at the much larger plate of problems that the present council has served up than just the town hall issue, when they decided they should encourage well-qualified people to seek election. And the reason they agreed to withdraw their motion was because they had met with considerable success in their search for candidates for mayor and council.
It has not been unusual for the Prescott chamber of commerce and the board of trade before it, to seek out and publicly support individual municipal candidates and on occasion, full slates. For the Brockville Recorder and Times to tell the people of Prescott that we have no right to do this boils down to pure ignorance on their management and editorial board's behalf.
Their editorial writer, who does not have the fortitude to sign his/her/its name to this sad diatribe, would do their newspaper and their own community a better service if they would cast a few criticisms at the way things are run in Brockville.
The Brockville newspaper is telling the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce to get out of our own council's face. We have some advice for these would-be carpet-baggers. You look after your town, and we'll look after our town.
John A.H. Morris,
Managing Editor
Monica Whitney
Prescott's greatest escape, ranking as high as Centennial Park and the one you need to practice to get out of your home safely in case of fire, is without a doubt the public library.
I've dined with royalty in ancient Polish castles, sat on a jury in a Mississippi murder trial, sipped tall cool drinks in the scented garden of a thatched-roof English cottage, and listened to and even seen the wind blowing through the prairie grasses. And our library paid for my air fare to each grand destination.
I'm in deep and I hope I never make it through the selection of books available just down the street. I also hope this world of make-believe keeps getting better with new page turners.
I've seen things, lived things in my expeditions that make my heart pound, I've sacrificed precious hours of sleep to read just one more paragraph... one more paragraph... one more page.
Then I'm racing down the street again to feed my addiction when the call comes in that my name reached the top of the reserve list for the latest John Grisham. He's an electrifying but easy read for my average moods. When I need a bigger jolt James Michener gets my vote. When I'm feeling Canadian, I go a little further in the M's to W.O. Mitchell, or over to Margaret Atwood or Jane Urquhart.
If I really don't want to think at all, Catherine Cookson fills in when I absolutely must have a quick fix. My latest pick is 484 pages of pure and wonderful suspense by an author I hadn't tried before.
Can all this be good for me? I spend much too long huddled in corners trying to find out who dunnit. I read in bed at night by flashlight and I sneak in paragraphs between homework questions with the kids. I'm hooked, and there's no return.
And it's not just me who craves a good read, but the ones being read to. Despite Robert Munch's obvious warning about the dangers of being a copy cat, my daughter still needs to have Stephanie's pony tail. And my sons have invented their own games designed to give us parents the goosebumps.
Yet all these books could be wordless if it weren't for the spirited Jane, Susen and Linda who keep the library lively, exciting and welcoming. It can also be peaceful and relaxing for the many computer users, newspaper and magazine buffs and homeworkers.
The Prescott Public Library is the best deal in town come in and get lost.
John A.H. Morris
The Prescott council has been going round, and round, and round like a broken record on this town hall issue, always repeating that there is no alternative to their decision to build a new town hall on the municipal parking lot.
* we still only have "guesstimates" as to what a new town hall is going to cost;
* we have no sensible alternative to replacing the 35 parking spots that are going to disappear from the downtown retail core;
* council muddied the waters for renovating the present town hall building by inserting an expanded library of the size we could never afford, but which probably drove the cost of remodelling the building up by about $300,000.
* we have no figures on what it will cost to tear down the present building and dispose of the materials.
The only thing we know for sure about this project is that the architect wants to build a new town hall, a new town hall, a new town hall slap! slap! there goes that broken record again.
Probably the sanest solution to this controversy was suggested by a possible candidate for council. He has suggested taking a page from Peter Martin's renovation study of 10 years ago, revise it to today's needs, and then set up a five-year renovation program that we can afford and not have to go into about $2 million debt to complete.
We bet that if this is the direction the council decides to go, and is serious about costs, we will get a much more efficient and accurate renovation plan than what was presented last week.
The more council tries to stick-handle around this issue and is less than forthcoming on costs, the less confidence local taxpayers will have in their ability to make a proper decision. Right now, despite council's phantom surveys showing strong support for a new town hall, their credibility is very low.
* * *
If the general electorate in Prescott follows the same line of thinking as members of the Prescott business community, including the downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) in regard to a charity casino for Prescott, then the yea's should be overwhelming winners of the upcoming referendum.
Of the 81 businesses which participated in the written and signed poll, 76 said 'yes' to the question "are you in favour of having a charity casino in Prescott?" Only five respondents voted against it. Of those in favour, the majority opted for a waterfront location. Second choice was downtown, but not on the waterfront, while a minority supported a location north of the CNR tracks.
So far only the Chamber of Commerce and BIA have voted to register as pro casino supporters, with the possibility of a third group joining them. To date no anti-casino groups have registered with municipal returning officer Andrew Brown.
* * *
Our plug last week for Brockville's CFJR-103.7-The River brought a quick reply from Anne Sawyer, sales manager for Ogdensburg's Q-102.9-Hot Country and Yes-98.7-The Oswegatchie, reminding us and all that her stations have always supported Prescott community events, listing an impressive number of them.
Ms. Sawyer says that although she is loath to put a dollar value on what her company holds as a mandate in community involvement, they have allotted in excess of $12,000 to publicizing Prescott events during the past year.
Golly, if these descendants of Jolly Bergeron and Flo Betrow at WSLB throw another $12,000 in the Prescott pot there won't be any need for us to stay in business.
But then again, somebody has to supply some news for all these ad guys to read between commercials.
By MONICA WHITNEY -Journal Staff Writer
The Cardinal facility of a major international company, Sithe Energies, demonstrates its pride in being part of the community by sponsoring and promoting the village's annual beautification program.
The Communities in Bloom project, which just finished its third year in Cardinal, involves dozens of volunteers and nearly 100 property owners who love their village and try to showcase Cardinal as an attractive and inviting place. This year, Cardinal was able to parade itself on a national level, competing with six other communities of the same population from across the country. The results of this competition will be announced this weekend in Edmonton.
Cardinal Power of Canada has been operational since the beginning of 1995 and is a division of Sithe Energies Inc. which was founded in 1984. The company originated in France and now has headquarters in New York City.
It was the first Canadian plant owned and operated by Sithe and had been the largest cogeneration plant in Canada at its inception. Cardinal Power remains the largest independent power producer in Ontario, using natural gas and gas and steam turbine engines. It sells electricity to Hydro One and supplies steam and air to CASCO in Cardinal, said local general manager Dennis Dmytrow.
The Cardinal plant produces more than 150 megawatts of electricity and up to 132,000 pounds of steam per hour. It employs 16 full-time people locally and depends on the community and area for additional expertise.
For example, Dmytrow explained, the company recently completed a major three-week around-the-clock outage. Every six years gas and steam turbines need to be pulled apart for repair and replacement of turbine blades and seals. Generators needed maintenance as well. Millwrights, pipefitters and electricians from Kingston to Cornwall, and professionals from England, United States and Canada were called in to help.
"Basically, everything in this plant has been looked at with the intention of making sure it's operational for the next six years," Dmytrow said.
The bloom program began at the company's instigation, as "We were very pleased that the people of Cardinal invited us into their community. Sithe has always liked to support and believe in wholesome projects and projects that fit our ideals," Dmytrow said.
"I think that's why flowers in bloom was chosen. One of the things that is Sithe's philosophy is that we like to keep our plant looking good. We're very proud of our facility.
"We think it helps the working environment of our people," Dmytrow said. "The efforts that the Cardinal people have made to make the village look attractive... fits in perfectly."
He added, "We depend on everybody's efforts to make our facility work well, and the people of Cardinal have basically become a big team here... It gives you a good feeling."
Cardinal Power donates a major prize each year for the bloom competition. This year, it contributed a garden bench for the winner in the Best Use of Red and White category. "It's satisfying to be rewarded for your efforts. The people of Cardinal should be very proud of themselves."
The original general manager of the plant, Sam Weaver, felt the project met Sithe's ideals and standards, and plant employee Lori Pennell continues to spearhead the endeavour, said Dmytrow, who has been manager since Nov., 1999, and was operations manager previously.
Cardinal Power offers its facilities, office equipment and personnel for bloom committee meetings and organizing to further support the program.
"I feel it's good that people from the community will come up and use our conference room as part of the meetings for flowers in bloom. So what if it's one o'clock on a Wednesday afternoon? That's what it's all about doing things together.
"It doesn't interfere with productivity by any means. I think sometimes it enhances it."
Cardinal will be well represented this weekend in Edmonton, AB, as the village waits to hear if it is the most beautiful village of its size in Canada.
Five residents are travelling to Edmonton's Crown Plaza Hotel for the National Awards Ceremonies and Symposium on Parks and Grounds, to be held Sept. 28 to 30.
Reeve Larry Dishaw and his wife Mary Ellen, Coun. Dick Willis and his wife Bonnie, and local bloom committee member Lori Pennell will be setting up a display at the convention to promote Cardinal and the area. They've armed themselves with Cardinal's history book, brochures and literature of the area and a history book of Leeds and Grenville.
Dishaw said he and his wife and the Willis family planned their annual vacation around the convention, and hope to visit Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff during the one-week trip.
"The community and the citizens of Cardinal have bent over backwards" for the summer bloom program, Dishaw said, and he's optimistic the village may win the national competition. "The judges indicated they were extremely impressed."
Willis said he was pleased with the support and effort for the Communities in Bloom program, and feels confident Cardinal placed well in the standings.
Cardinal was evaluated for the competition on Aug. 14 by Roger Belley, a parks foreman with the City of St. Albert, AB, and Heather Edwards, a landscape architect in Saskatoon, SK.
The village was competing for the national title in the 1,000 to 3,000 population category with Fort Simpson, NWT, Picture Butte, Gibbons and Viking, AB, Unity, SK, and Souris, PEI.
Pennell said attending the convention is a great opportunity "to push our little village." The group will also be able to network with other communities, and pick up ideas to improve the village's beautification program.
She explained that Cardinal must receive a minimum rating of three blooms to participate at the national level again next year, or will drop back to the provincial level. The national winner will be awarded five blooms.
Municipalities throughout Canada and Europe participated in the 2000 edition of the program for the improvement of quality of life through green spaces, heritage conservation, community involvement and environmental awareness. There are 97 finalists competing from across the country and from France, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Slovenia and Czech Republic, and many more taking part at the provincial level.
Judges visit each municipality to evaluate, taking into account efforts of the whole community (municipal, private, corporate and institutional) in tidiness effort, urban forestry, landscaping, floral arrangements, turf areas, environmental effort, heritage conservation and community involvement.
The friendly competition between municipalities strives to promote the social and health benefits of participating while building a sense of pride through community involvement.
Cardinal's long-time fire prevention officer and volunteer firefighter will be leaving the position at the end of October.
"It's hard to walk away from," said Robin Yandeau, who has been on the Cardinal force for 16 years and its prevention officer for the past 12.
An increasing work load at his full time job and a growing family helped Yandeau with the decision to leave the volunteer work that required several hours of time a week. As well, with amalgamation with Edwardsburgh Township just a few months away, Yandeau felt the time was right to "jump out. I just wouldn't have the time to put into the position for both departments."
A large part of Yandeau's job involved public education with various groups, such as the guiding and scouting movements and with Benson Public School. It's this aspect of the job Yandeau said he'll miss the most, along with the close relationships he's developed with colleagues and friends within the department.
"No doubt, working with the kids will be the largest part I miss," he said. "The excitement that we're coming was really an uplift for me and the fact that they were gaining a lot that we were teaching.
"On my off-time a child would run up to me and say 'that's the fireman that was in the school last week'. Then they would tell me a fire safety tip. They would send me art work afterwards and basically show me some the things they learned and they put fire safety messages on it.
"Just knowing you're accomplishing something - that you're getting through - was real gratifying to me. I've always felt that the best way to fight a fire was through education.
"If we can teach people about fire safety and how to be safe in their own home - that if we pull up to their home at three o'clock in the morning and everybody is standing outside - then I think we've done our job," Yandeau said. "Everything in the home worked, they knew what to do, they got out safely.
"To have to start taking people out in the middle of the night because a smoke alarm didn't work, we failed somewhere. Somewhere the system's gone wrong. These people didn't get the message. I've always felt it was better to be proactive than reactive to fire."
While Yandeau feels the school children are "on board" with fire safety, he noted it is important that parents practice the messages with them. "The kids know what to do in a fire. We need to get the parents to practice that with them." He suggests the supper table as being the ideal place to talk about fire safety and planning.
The Learn Not to Burn and Risk Watch programs in the schools will be a real benefit, Yandeau said. "These kids are getting (fire safety information) right from Kindergarten. It's starting to take effect because I find when I do talk to kids I have to upgrade myself. What I'm telling them is old hat - it's like two plus two to them. They know the answers so we need to take it a step further and show them a little bit more on fire safety and advance them."
As a tip for parents, Yandeau suggests "rather than testing your smoke alarm when your toast burns, you really need to put that on a schedule. Test it once a month and it needs to be part of a ritual in the home."
A typical inspection for Yandeau would involve research, giving the home or business owner options for what could be done to comply with the fire code, documentation, a followup visit, phone time and obtaining information from the Fire Marshall's office.
An average inspection would take between six and eight hours, and were carried out randomly or as a result of a complaint.
Yandeau said he always tried to work with the owners to help them meet fire code standards. "It's better to have an owner gain compliance because they want to do it rather than because I'm telling them they have to do it. And most people will gain compliance, because they see how the code is set up to protect them and that they are ultimately responsible if something did happen. They're usually quite grateful after you've gone through (in an inspection)."
As a volunteer firefighter, Yandeau was also involved in fundraising for department needs and was the Muscular Dystrophy chairman for a number of years. He has also been the president and vice president for the department's firefighters association.
CARDINAL Judging for the children's sunflower face contest will be Tuesday, Oct. 3 at Benson Public School.
Any elementary school child is eligible to enter. The sunflower faces can be brought to the school gym between 3:30 and 5 p.m.
The winner with the largest flower head will receive a pizza party with four friends from the Islander Hotel in Cardinal.
CARDINAL Diabetes education programs will be coming to Cardinal starting Oct. 13 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
This is a free education program designed for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It includes four weekly sessions. Pre-registration is required, and since each session builds on the one before, it is important for participants to attend all four sessions.
The One Step closer program is sponsored by the Rideau Valley Diabetes Project, and nurses, dietitians and chiropodists will provide information on eating well, exercise, self-monitoring of blood glucose, stress and emotion and preventing complications. Medication, hypoglycemia, foot care and changing behaviour will also be covered.
To register or for information, call Helen McGuire at 283-8481 or 1-877-321-4500.
ATHENS The South Grenville Jr. 'B' Rangers wrapped up their exhibition schedule with a record of 2-1-1, following a 5-2 win against the Athens Aeros on Sunday, Sept. 24.
The Rangers wasted no time getting a jump on the Aeros, scoring 41 seconds into the opening period to take a 1-0 lead. The Rangers scored three more goals before the end of the period for a 4-0 lead going into the first intermission. Shawn Coville scored twice in the period with Matt McNally and Matt Seary each scoring a goal a piece.
The two teams exchanged goals in the middle stanza, with Rangers' Lucas Spencer scoring to give the team a 5-0 lead before Athens would get its first goal of the game.
In the third, the Rangers focused on defence, holding the Aeros to a single goal to secure the win.
"We only had 12 skaters but they played a heck of game," Coach George Willard said.
The Rangers' defence provided an offensive spark with defencemen Ryan Lawless producing three assists and Tyler Rasa getting a pair of assists.
Mike Ruigrok also added a pair, as did Ryan Matte. Tyler Lawrence chipped in with one assist.
"A lot of the offence got start with the defence moving the puck up quickly," he said.
With the team short of players, Willard said they went with four defencemen and three lines, which meant all the defencemen took shifts over the course of the game playing forward.
Willard said having defenceman Ryan Lawless back in the lineup was a big assist. Lawless didn't play in a recent tournament that saw the Rangers tie Athens 3-3 and lose to Kemptville 3-0.
Another welcome addition, Willard said, was Lucas Spencer. Spencer had been a protected by the Brockville Braves. (He remains affiliated with the Lanark team in the central Jr. 'A' league.)
"He is a good skater and a physical player," Willard said. "He plays big. He likes the physical end."
Despite Athens having a full team picking up a couple of players, Willard said his played well, out chancing them.
"The boys deserve full credit. They played hard."
The Rangers hope to carry their pre-season success into the regular season as they prepare for their home opener on Sept. 30 against defending Rideau Division Westport Rideaus.
The team is planning a special opening night with a Tailgate Party, featuring a pig roast barbecue, starting at 5 p.m.
Preceding the game, the Rangers will be honoring several area hockey people for their long-time dedication to Jr. 'B' hockey in South Grenville.
Tickets for the barbecue include the admission to the game.
For those wishing to attend the barbecue or game only, they may do so by purchasing individual tickets.
Tickets for the barbecue are available from Erwin Kelso at 658-2207 or Ron Gilmer at 657-3070. There are a limited number of tickets left for the barbecue.
by JEFF LEE - Journal Staff
NORTH AUGUST The North Augusta Team One had the perfect season in the Augusta Minor Softball league.
Not only was the team unbeatable during the season but also in the year-end tournament.
"It was a fun year," said Head Coach Dale Smith, "Because we tried our best and won all the games."
The team finished league play with a perfect 28 points from a14-0-0 record. The second place team, Maitland, were a full 10 points behind, with a record of 9-3-0.
The team has come a long way since it played together three seasons ago, losing every game. In the second year, they were batting about 500. So it would seem that, at least in part, the team's success lies in the fact that team has been together in almost entirety for the past three years.
"Nine of 12 players have been here for the last three years," Head Coach Dale Smith said.
"Maybe for playing together for the last three years they get to know each of the other players' strategies."
Assistant Coach Dave Telgen agrees with Smith's reasoning, adding that the coaching staff also tried to give the players as much experience at one position as possible while still giving them exposure to other positions.
In terms of coach strategy, Smith said the goal was to maintain continuity from one year to the next while still having the children learn and have fun.
When asked about next season, Smith said with everyone building up like they did over the past three years, there should be some good competitive baseball.
"Even this year, as the year progressed, everybody was getting better."
The Rideau St. Lawrence Kings minor atom have hit the ice and are ready for an exciting season.
In exhibition play, they came up against the Kingston Predators and Ottawa Valley Titans, where they showed continued improvement and started their regular season with a 3-3 tie against the Gloucester Rangers on Sunday. Scoring for the Kings were Cole Weedmark with two and John Maguire with a single. Payton Williams picked up two assists.
The members of the team are Ryan Morden, Quincy Evans, Cole Weedmark, Cliff Conquer, John Maguire, Bergil Naphan, Payton Williams, Kristian Knapp, Trevor Murray, Sebastian Last, Conlin McCabe and Kyle Godwin.
The coaching staff is Hugh Murray, Steve Morden, Mike McCabe and Brent and Anne Evans.
PRESCOTT The Walter Baker mixed pairs tournament was held on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Twelve teams competed in the one-day tournament from District one, which includes Brockville, Prescott, Iroquois and Ottawa.
The Prescott Lawn Bowling Club won the 3-game trophy, which consisted of skip Marie Simpson and vice Eric Reid.
The 2-game high winners were from the Iroquois Lawn Bowling Club. Bob Ogilvie was the skip, while May Gillan was the vice.
The 1-game high winners were skip Bob Anderson and vice Marian Anderson from the Ottawa Lawn Bowling Club.
The 50/50 draw winner was Eileen Brown of Richmond, Ontario.
CANTON Betty Franz and Diane Throop of the Prescott Golf Club took top honours at the inaugural Eva Remington Golf Classic on Aug. 25 at the St. Lawrence Golf and Country Club in Canton, N.Y. Franz and Throop were among 20 golfers who competed in the two-team formatted tournament. Throop also cranked the longest drive on hole four. Linda Pernell and Kathy Phelps took second and Julie Delarge and Debbie Barr finished third.
PRESCOTT Registration for junior curlers, ages 13 and up, and is Oct. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Prescott Curling Club. Convener Allan Norton said the coaches will be on hand to meet both newly registered and return curlers.
The registration day gives the curlers a chance to try out the sport or to get their curling legs back. The season kicks off the following week. For more information, call Allan Norton at 925-4244 (days) or 925-3267 (evenings).
PRESCOTT The third time was also the charm for the Prescott Lawn Bowling Club teams as they captured the Recorder and Times Challenge cup Friday afternoon at the Prescott club.The win makes it the third year in a row that the cup was one by the Prescott club, which means next year's cup will again be hosted here. Each of the four clubs entered two teams of three in the mixed-team tournament.
Prescott's two entries were skip Eric Reid, vice Toni Jansman and lead Blanche Heger and skip Irene St. John, vice Susie Locke and lead Doug McQuitty. The combined total points, good for first place, were 41. The Brockville Lawn Bowling Club took second place with 35 points. Third spot ended in a tie between the Iroquois Lawn Bowling Club and Smiths Falls Lawn Bowling club each with 33 points.
KINGSTON The St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings travelled to Kingston on Saturday, Sept. 23 for their season opener and came home with a 5-1 loss to the Kingston Predators.
The lone Kings' goal was scored by Scott Pitt, assisted by Sean Dowell.
On Sunday, the Kings were able to score one in the tie column against the Eastern Ontario Cobras.
In the 2-2 game, Kings' Alex Horsburgh and Scott Pitt scored the team's two goals.
John Rutherford assisted on Horsburgh's goal.
Then Pitt scored late in the game unassisted.
By JEFF LEE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Fifty-four non-curlers will be hitting the ice Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Prescott Curling club on Henry Street West.
The Non-curlers' Bonspiel is in its second year, and the club's media-relations specialist Dave Millward said the bonspiel is an excellent way to introduce people to the sport of curling.
"People get to curl with other beginners," Millward said. He added that because everyone is a beginner, it makes for a less intimidating atmosphere.
Millward said that with the success of last year's non-curlers' bonspiel, the decision was made to hold one again this year.
"We had a tremendous response last year," he said. "Giving them a little taste [of the sport] is the key to getting people interested."
More experienced curlers will give them a crash course on the game, and then they will be able to get a taste of the sport when they play one four-end game. There will be for draws, with the first one starting at 9:30 a.m., followed by the second draw at 10:30 a.m. and the final draw at 12:30 p.m.
The following week is set aside for practice, for those who want to try the sport but didn't get a chance at the booked solid non-curlers' bonspiel or those who just want to get their curling legs back.
The club will be open to curlers Monday through Thursday, from 7 to 9 p.m. each night. On Saturday, Oct. 7, the second annual Bern Kirkby Memorial Swing and Sweep will be held.
The swing and sweep is a combination of two sports Kirkby enjoyed golf and curling. The way the event is set up is that participants will be play both sports at the Prescott Golf Club and the Prescott Curling Club during the day.
Participants will play nine holes of golf and one six-end game of curling. For more information, call Dave Millward at (613) 925-3145.